Serious accidents or trauma that result in the loss of a limb—including partial amputations—are more common in Texas than many you might think. However, when you lose any part of your body because someone else was careless or reckless, taking prompt and proactive legal action against them could be vital to preserving your short-term and long-term interests.
Collecting comprehensive compensation for the effects of amputation is far from a simple process, as experienced catastrophic injury attorneys know all too well. That said, to get the best chances of securing a favorable result from your lawsuit or settlement demand, contacting a Houston amputation lawyer to discuss your legal options is critical.
About a quarter of all amputations in the United States are “traumatic amputations,” meaning that they involve someone losing a limb as a direct result of a traumatic accident—usually during the accident itself. These amputations mainly stem from motor vehicle accidents, machinery malfunctions, or misuse. However, they can also be caused by explosions, impacts from falling or flying objects, and crushing injuries involving a limb caught between two heavy objects or surfaces.
On the other hand, most amputations are “surgical,” meaning medical professionals perform them in response to a severe condition. More specifically, surgical amputations are usually performed when necrosis—the death of cells inside bodily tissue—occurs in a severely injured limb. This is generally irreversible, and it can be life-threatening if the affected tissue is not removed.
Both traumatic and surgical amputations can be the basis for civil litigation when these tragedies stem directly from someone else’s negligence. For instance, when you lose your arm due to injuries sustained in a car wreck caused by a careless driver, the reckless driver could be liable for the effects of that amputation, whether it occurred during the accident itself or was performed by a surgeon to address the damage done in the accident. A knowledgeable attorney in Houston could collect evidence of your injury that led to amputation and fight to get you the justice you deserve.
Losing a limb is an undoubtedly life-altering injury, and any comprehensive civil claim built around such an injury must therefore account for a lifetime’s worth of expected future losses, including:
Importantly, though, strict filing deadlines still apply to cases like this and typically expire before the value of long-term damages become apparent. With that in mind, it is vital to call a dedicated lawyer in Houston immediately after losing a limb to begin the litigation process.
Amputation is one of the most severe consequences any traumatic accident in Texas can have. While no amount of money is enough to completely erase the pain and trauma associated with an injury of this nature, fair financial recovery could make a significant difference in your quality of life.
A conversation with a Houston amputation lawyer could offer clarity and confidence about the steps you should take to protect your best interests. Call Roberts Markland LLP today to schedule a meeting.
